Gold Colored Deposit

Posted on:2/1/2004

Question:
We want to plate a non-gold containing alloy as a final finish and in some cases as an underlayer for gold.

Question:

We want to plate a non-gold containing alloy as a final finish and in some cases as an underlayer for gold. Do you have any suggestions? M.I.

Answer:

A classic plating bath that has been used specifically for this purpose is as follows:

Component Concentration

Sodium cyanide 8.6 oz/gal

Copper cyanide 4.0 oz/gal

Sodium stannate 4.6 oz/gal

Sodium hydroxide 1.5 oz/gal

Rochelle salts 6.0 oz/gal

Anodes Pure copper

Temperature 150-160°F

Very small quantities of lead are sometimes added as a brightener. Keep in mind that this is a cyanide-based plating bath and if you are not equipped to handle a cyanide plating bath this formulation is not suitable for you.

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